3 getaways for this weekend, from Long Beach to Portland

Are the dog days of August triggering the snooze bar on your Happy Hours? Freshen up with a weekend out of town. Here are three reasons to hit the road.

1 Go fly a kite (or watch a bunch) at Long Beach

Continues through Sunday, Aug. 24, on the beach at Bolstad Avenue approach, Long Beach, Pacific County; free admission to spectators

Kites, banners and all things that flutter fill the beach at Long Beach. (Chris Spence photo)

It’s always kite season at the coast, but this is the big bonanza. It’s the final weekend of the Washington State International Kite Festival, in its 34th year at Long Beach. Saturday, go see sport kites in the ballet competition (not something you’ll get at the Opera House). Or bring a flag or banner to join the Parade of Colors on the Long Beach Boardwalk. If there’s not enough color in the sky, there’s fireworks.

2 Love a lentil in Cougar Country

A giant vat of lentil chili is among the draws in Pullman this weekend. (courtesy of National Lentil Festival)

Head east to Pullman to kick up your heels and lick your lips at the National Lentil Festival, celebrating the local legume. Partake of the World’s Largest Bowl of Lentil Chili, or experience the tension during the Legendary Lentil Cook-Off, sponsored by the USA Dry Pea & Lentil Council (Garrison Keillor couldn’t make this stuff up). Finalist recipes this year include Warm Weather Watermelon & Lentil Gazpacho. Mmmm, good eating.

3 Go for pasta and puppetry in Portland

Lots of good Italian food in Portland this weekend. (Washington Post photo)

If you prefer pasta over lentils, Portland is your party zone. The downtown Pioneer Courthouse Square is home to Festa Italiana. Included is plenty of good food and wine, accordion music, even Sicilian puppetry with a performance of “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” by the Carter Family Marionettes.

About Us

Kristin Jackson, travel editor at The Seattle Times, grew up in Italy, went to university in Britain, and worked as a journalist in London and Vancouver, B.C., before migrating back to Seattle where she’s happy at her desk but way happier on the road.

Brian J. Cantwell, Outdoors editor at The Seattle Times, is a Seattle native who chose not to leave -- except for every chance he gets to go someplace interesting or adventurous. He lives on his sailboat at Shilshole Bay Marina.